RITZVILLE…Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, offered this statement upon the passing last night of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush:

“I very well remember the elder President Bush’s time as our chief executive – in fact, he was seeking a second term when I was first running for the Legislature, and I’m sure I learned a thing or two from how he campaigned.

“What I’ve admired about President Bush goes beyond what he accomplished in his term as President. It was also his lifelong public service, from wartime to being Vice President, his devotion to his wife and family, and the class he showed after leaving the White House. The outpouring of tributes to him is well-deserved.”